We can make comics with a few basic tools found in many classrooms & offices…

BEFORE / Basic TOOLS Overview:

ONSITE HOST TEACHERS: Many classrooms already have my basic “MUST HAVE” & “NICE TO HAVE” tools… Please feel free to contact me with any materials questions or special needs.

REMOTE STUDENTS: I’ll assume you have the basic MUST HAVEs listed below. You’re welcome to use whatever tools are handy, however. I recommend experimenting & seeing which tools work best for your art style & creative approach.

JUMP TO: “Must Haves” | “Nice to Haves” | “Also Used” | More Details…

“MUST HAVES”:

NOTE: Please let Marek know ahead of time if you won’t be able to provide any of these tools at your event.

  • PAPER: Standard copier/printer paper, 8.5″x11″ (A3) …
    (best to have a whole ream handy).
    WARNING: Pens & markers will bleed through standard paper, so we draw on ONLY ONE SIDE of each sheet. // [ Order 8.5″x11″ white paper here→ ]
  • PENCILS & ERASERS: 1 per student

Flair Felt-Tip Pens

These provide a controlled, variable line with good solid black coverage.  They dry quickly, and they’re washable, too. These pens (and the markers below) are MUCH easier to use than brushes & nibs & bottles of ink — especially for younger artists.

[ order from DickBlick.com >> ]

SUGGESTED #s:  IDEAL: 1 pen per student // ALT: 1 pen for every 1-2 students OR 2-4 classroom sets total (of 2 dozen pens each)

REMEMBER: Order BLACK pens for inking comics.
TIP: Order a box of 1 dozen pens to get a better price.

Feel free to use any other kind of artistic (black ink) pen you’re comfortable with.

“NICE TO HAVES”:

These supplies are handy, if you happen to have them in your supply closet…

Dick Blick Water-Based Markers

These have an excellent chisel-tip, which enables young artists to both fill areas and start exploring line weight with a very controlled instrument. They also dry quickly and wash easily.  WE USE ONLY THE BLACK MARKERS, but they do come in other colors….

[ Order from DickBlick.com >>]

SUGGESTED #:  Same as pens… OR somewhat fewer.

  • RULERS: Ideally 1″ wide; we may use them to mark off panel borders & draw straight lines. // SUGGESTED #:  1 per every 2-4 students
  • CLIPBOARDS: Useful if not all students are at desks/tables.
  • SCISSORS + PAPERCLIPS + other standard office supplies…

“ALSO USED”:

These items are very USEFUL, but not at all necessary…

Long Arm Stapler

= a great investment for creative projects.
Useful when publishing QUARTER-FOLD MINIS!

TIP: Your local art room or library may already have one we can borrow.

[ Order from BLICK.com >> ]

  • CARDSTOCK: This is extra-thick paper (like bristol board, only cheaper). Your markers won’t bleed through, & it makes really sturdy booklets.
    WARNING: This thicker, heavier paper can be harder to print/photocopy on.
  • 11×17 / A4 PAPER: This size provides a great big surface for drawing!
  • CLIPS/BINDERS: Anything to keep those pages organized…
  • 2-POCKET FOLDERS: These help artists organize & protect works in progress. // SUGGESTED #:  1 per student // [ Order 2-pocket folders here → ]
  • …

MORE PREP DETAILS:

Set up your space…

Here are some suggested prep items for assemblies, readings, workshops, or other events…

School Book Orders

COMICS WORKSHOP offers special pricing for schools, libraries, & student families…

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